A long-awaited Tesco store in Birmingham will go ahead despite the retailer's financial woes, according to a city MP.

Plans for a major store and town centre development in Stirchley have been 15 years in the making, delayed by land acquisition problems and lengthy legal disputes. It was scheduled to open in 2017.

Local businesses are keen for the centre to be regenerated and residents would benefit from the 300 jobs promised when the store opens.

But today's announcement that Tesco is to scrap plans for 49 'very large' stores due to financial difficulties will not affect Stirchley.

Selly Oak MP Steve McCabe (Lab) said he had been in touch with Tesco's chief executive Dave Lewis regarding the new Tesco store in Stirchley and was told that, despite financial difficulties, the supermarket chain would be pressing ahead with the development, "bringing much needed investment and jobs to the area".

He added: "I am relieved to hear that despite Tesco's financial problems they will be honouring their commitment and the new store in Stirchley will go ahead as planned.

"This site has been waiting for development for over ten years now and I am anxious to see the site regenerated, bringing much needed jobs and investment into the area."

Residents and local councillors have previously raised concerns about the ongoing delays to the store after hearing the opening was being pushed back from this year to 2017 due to hold ups relocating Stirchley Community Centre and the City of Birmingham Indoor Bowls Centre.

At the time, Coun Timothy Huxtable (Con Bournville) said they were worried about fly-tipping.

He said: "The site is derelict and becoming an eyesore and local residents are fed up with it."

Mr Lewis, in an open letter to Coun Huxtable, said: "I would like to reassure you that it remains our intention to open our planned store.

"We continue to believe that the store would provide a valued service to the local community and we know that many people are keenly anticipating the opening."